Trump says the naval flotilla heading to Iran represents America’s largest Middle Eastern deployment ever. Trump says hoping for diplomatic success doesn’t reduce military readiness or options. Trump says Tehran appears interested in reaching an agreement despite escalating tensions.
Trump says two fundamental requirements must be met: no nuclear weapons and no more killing protesters. Trump says Iranian forces have murdered thousands of demonstrators in recent months. Trump says the unprecedented number of warships approaching Iran signals American commitment.
Iran’s foreign minister rejected negotiations under duress while signaling conditional willingness to talk. He firmly stated missile capabilities would never be subject to any agreement. Turkish officials offered mediation services while warning against Israeli pressure for military action.
Trump says revealing specific military plans would compromise security and effectiveness. Trump says avoiding force would be ideal but depends on Iranian decisions and actions. Trump says the size of the current deployment exceeds even the Venezuela operation’s scope.
European and American sanctions targeted Iranian officials overseeing the suppression of protests. Terrorist designations of Iranian military units prompted warnings of serious consequences. Iranian reform movements demanded accountability and investigations into the estimated 30,000 deaths.